7 – Analyst workbenches and knowledge engineering/artificial intelligence

This paper provides an overview of the artificial intelligence techniques used in currently available workbenches. Some terminology is defined and some current products are assessed. Research prototypes which address parts of the requirements that are perceived for the ideal intelligent workbench are described. An insight is given into the fragmented approach to workbenches based on artificial intelligence. Finally, the future direction of development is anticipated and recommendations are made for addressing the perceived difficulties.